Bacteriological profile and antibiogram profile of stitch site infection: A study from a maternity hospital in north Bihar

Abstract

Background: Stitch site infections (SSIs) are among the most common
postoperative complications, especially in obstetric surgeries, and contribute
significantly to maternal morbidity. The identification of causative organisms and
their antibiotic sensitivity patterns is essential for effective management and
infection control.
Objectives: To determine the bacteriological profile and antibiogram of organisms
isolated from stitch site infections among postoperative patients in a maternity
hospital in North Bihar.
Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted over
one year in a maternity hospital in North Bihar. A total of 100 patients with clinical
signs of stitch site infection were included. Pus or wound swabs were collected under
aseptic conditions and subjected to Gram staining, aerobic culture, and antibiotic
sensitivity testing using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method as per CLSI
guidelines.
Results: Out of 100 samples, 92% showed positive bacterial growth. The most
common isolate was Staphylococcus aureus (38%), followed by Escherichia coli
(22%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (14%), Pseudomonasaeruginosa (10%), Enterococcus
faecalis (4%), and Proteus mirabilis (4%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was
observed in 54% of the isolates. S. aureus showed high sensitivity to vancomycin
and linezolid, while gram-negative isolates were most sensitive to imipenem,
amikacin, and piperacillin-tazobactam.
Conclusion: The study reveals a high prevalence of bacterial infections at stitch
sites, predominantly caused by S. aureus and gram-negative bacilli, many of which
are multidrug-resistant. Routine culture and sensitivity testing, strict infection control
practices, and rational use of antibiotics are imperative to reduce the burden of SSIs
and improve maternal outcomes in resource-limited settings.